New Year, New Me!

I intended to write this a few hours before the New Year. I had this whole spiel going on about how in a few hours, 2015 will become the year that “was” and how it was a good year for some and challenging for others. In fact, I toyed about rehashing my whole spiel about how 2015 was one for the books but, then I figured, it’s so totally out of character for me. I mean, I am the type of person who hates dwelling in the past (unless of course, the past keeps on inserting itself uninvited). Of course I value the past as I see its importance in developing the present; I just find it moot to discuss the past in detail when there’s really nothing you can do about it.

Also, I really can’t just sum up 2015 in one simple word. I mean, you can’t simply describe 525,600 minutes of experiences, fixtures & object you encounter, people you’ve gained and lost, and all that rot in one succinct descriptor. It’s impossible! If there’s one thing I’ve learned this 2015, it’s that all the things I’ve learned in the past 27 years? I had to “un-learn” and circumvent.

So for 2016, I’m hoping that it will remain eye-opening because there is always a wealth of lessons I can benefit from (and I wish this for every single new day). But more than just waiting for experiences to come to me, I am actively seeking them. This year, I’m more passionate about changing myself for the better; I’m not getting older and the only way I can level with it is to welcome and embrace these changes brought about by wisdom.

Here are some things I’m working on:

My Physical Health – I’ve been more critical of the food I’ve been putting inside my body. No, I’m not at all concerned of the digits reflecting on my scale but I am making a painstaking effort in opting for healthier food choices. The truth is, last 2015, I’ve discovered that my blood sugar was unnaturally high for my age, making me pre-diabetic. Diabetes runs in both sides of the family; in fact, my mother has been on insulin since she was in her 30s.

My Mental Health – What ultimately contributed to the downward spiral of my physical health was my lack of willpower and my lack of concern for my own sanity. I know it sounds funny but I’m serious! I was under a lot of pressure last 2015 and to make the long story short, it created a ripple effect that gave the bottomline of me not taking care of myself enough. This is why I’ve been obsessive about taking in the practice of Yoga as it teaches me to let go of the things I have no control over and to be kind and in-tune with myself.

My Career – Though this is seriously coming into full circle for me, I just think that there is so much room to grow. I’ve been working hard on my career since 2014 and I’m hoping that 2016 will allow me to reap the benefits already. But our agency has won 13 brands from a huge multinational corporation and I am mentally and physically preparing myself for the additional 3 brands that I’ll be taking in under my wing.

My Added Skill Set – Though I’ve been toying with taking further education for Digital Marketing, I don’t want to have my life revolve solely around my career. This time, I’m thinking of not only expanding my athletic endeavours (since I’ve been doing Spinning and Yoga) but also expanding my household skills. Yes, I’m a modern woman, but what’s wrong with learning how to cook well and being able to manage one’s home? I think that is even harder than allowing a career to flourish.

New Experiences – I think this is a bit self-explanatory and related to my first 4 items. Yes, I will be traveling this year (and trust me, I’m not a huge fan of traveling) but most importantly, I’ll be learning to look the right way and see possible discoveries in a new light.

It’s the end of January and I am still on track. I know that there is still the rest of forever to keep track of but I’m not too hard on myself. If I slip up, the simplest solution is to just pick myself up and try again. I hope you all are still working towards yor 2016 goals–it’s all about mindset. Let’s make it happen, guys!

Here’s a photo set of myself last December wearing this beautiful Anthologie of the Scarf dress. It’s very well-made and flattering, which surprised me. I was told by the owner that the materials are sourced locally and that for every item you purchase, a portion of it goes to the indigenous people of Isabela. If there’s anything I admire the most, it’s social entrepreneurship so if you’re looking into expanding your wardrobe, check this brand out!

New Year, New Me! was last modified: January 24th, 2016 by Dominique Tiu

love this post! i realized myself that this year means i have been 10 years out of high school and 5 out of college. and i am not the same person i was before! partly also because so much has changed in those 10 years especially in Metro Manila – it’s not even funny. i hope i am as hopeful as you about this year! currently have a hard time seeing what’s past my nose at the moment! :)) yoga, spinning and being healthy sounds marvelous! 🙂 i do want to learn to cook various things myself although right now cooking seems more tedious than it should be (since i haven’t cooked enough to discover shortcuts lol).

oh and i feel like lumping my comment together with a different one.. i saw one of your instagram pictures with your good friend JL and with you wearing a gorgeous skirt. i really, really like that skirt and how it looks. 🙂